By Kizito CUDJOE
The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) is seeking partnerships with global investors to drive its vision of establishing an integrated aluminium industry, says its Chief Executive Officer, Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah.
Speaking during an investor engagement session with the African Selection Group (ASG), Mr. Ankrah stated that GIADEC requires more than US$6billion to fully develop Ghana’s aluminium value chain.
He noted that given the country’s current economic conditions, the Corporation cannot depend solely on central government funding and is therefore actively engaging investors with the financial capability and industry expertise to support the IAI’s development.
ASG Managing Director John Kamara also stated his company’s interest in Ghana’s aluminium sector, particularly in modernising the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) smelter.
Mr. Kamara highlighted that ASG’s vertically integrated business model aligns with GIADEC’s approach, positioning the group as a strategic partner in the industry’s expansion.
He outlined ASG’s commitment to investing in the short- to medium-term, with a strategic plan structured in two phases aimed at enhancing VALCO’s efficiency and production capacity. The target is to increase annual output from 60,000 metric tonnes to over 300,000 metric tonnes.
Phase 1 of ASG’s plan will focus on upgrading production facilities, implementing energy efficiency measures, modernising the smelter’s potlines and supporting infrastructure to improve operational stability.
Phase 2 will involve constructing an in-country alumina refinery, ensuring a stable and cost-effective alumina supply to VALCO. This development is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on imported alumina, strengthening local value addition in the aluminium sector.
Mr. Kamara also stressed ASG’s commitment to utilising advanced, sustainable refining technologies that provide environmental and operational benefits over the conventional Bayer process.
Addressing concerns about power supply, ASG’s MD revealed that the company would explore innovative energy technologies and alternative sources within Ghana’s energy mix. Ensuring a stable and cost-effective electricity supply is critical for sustaining the smelter’s operations and supporting broader development of the IAI.
The ASG delegation included Group Operating Director David Woodall, Chief Financial Officer Wayne Apted and Finance Team member Quinton Charaud. Their discussions with GIADEC form part of broader efforts to attract investment and accelerate Ghana’s transformation into a competitive aluminium producer on the global stage.
ASG is a diversified natural resources group focused on building a portfolio of metals and mining assets across Africa’s value chain.
The company operates a fully funded pipeline of vertically integrated projects, leveraging downstream capabilities and in-house marketing expertise. ASG has successfully implemented mine-to-market models for tier-1 players in the EMEA region and brings extensive experience in managing in-country investment risks.
